[February
26, 2014]OAK PARK — The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently
released a report that over 4 million Medicare Summary Notices, or MSNs, were undeliverable to Medicare beneficiaries in 2012. The most
common reason why the notices were undeliverable is because of
incorrect or invalid beneficiary addresses. You can read the full
report here:
https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-03-12-00600.asp.
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Elderly profit from group meetings and home visits

By Ronnie Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) — Group
meetings and preventive home visits helped octogenarians maintain
their health, independence and a positive outlook, according to a
first-of-its-kind study in Sweden.
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Christian Village offers 'Almost Home' temporary apartment

Julie King, Christian Village director of independent living, puts the finishing touches on the Almost Home
apartment available for individuals needing a temporary
place to stay before going home from the hospital or nursing
home.

After a hospital or nursing home
stay, some people are unable to return home because they can't
handle housekeeping and meal preparation. To help these individuals
while they're regaining their strength, The Christian Village has
established an "Almost Home" apartment that can be rented by the
week.
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Olympians of Social Security

By
Becky Whitlow, Social Security district manager in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — While the eyes of
the world focus on the XXII Winter Olympics in the resort town of
Sochi, Russia, this month, the Social Security Administration brings
your attention to another worthy focal point: Internet safety.
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When older generations complain about
reading and writing skills among today's youth, they point
accusingly at technological advances, says award-winning author and
college teacher Daniel L. Wick.
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Peripheral artery disease: Screening and early treatment can save
your legs and your life

(BPT) — Frequent leg cramps, leg pain when walking
and slow-to-heal sores on your feet are annoying, but did you know
they can also be symptoms of a serious disease?
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Alzheimer's caregivers: Tips to take care of yourself, too

(BPT) — Taking care of an ill loved one is never
easy, but for the 15 million Americans who provide care for someone
with Alzheimer's disease, the emotional and financial toll of
caregiving can be overwhelming. Last year, caregivers provided more
than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for Alzheimer's disease
patients, amounting to $216 billion of care, according to the
Alzheimer's Association. They often experience emotional stress,
depression, health problems of their own and a loss of wages, the
association reports.
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